Voorhees and Burke (1995) describe Fox Chapel Area High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
"Families with children attending Fox Chapel Area High School are, by most accounts, considered to be lucky. They're lucky in the sense that their community has a low unemployment rate and few are living at or below the poverty level. And prior to 1987, the community felt all they needed to do to deal with substance abuse and violence issues was to take a hard line approach. Students caught using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs were dealt with in a punitive manner. But that didn't stop teens from smoking on campus, in the restrooms, or with friends.
The school decided that by changing its philosophy from punishment to empowerment, they could really have a positive impact on students. They introduced a 'Reality' model of training. The curriculum teaches students how to make decisions, solve life's problems, evaluate situations and engage in critical thinking that will promote healthy, safe life choices now and in the future.
All freshmen and new students are required to take an instructional unit on Interpersonal Relationships. Anger management support groups are also held at the school.
Information on drugs and alcohol is taught in several different levels and classes. For example, students in chemistry class will also study the chemical reactions of drugs and alcohol to the body. Students in Home Economics learn about the impact of drug use during pregnancy and the impact of drug abuse on families.
A School Safety Task Force was organized in 1994 to educate the active residents of the Fox Chapel Area School District to access needs and to design and implement strategies to promote safe schools and communities. This includes monthly meetings with community leaders, local law enforcement and administrators. Students are also involved in planning and implementing the school's prevention programs.
Raising awareness is done through student-produced televised announcements, a student newspaper and a Parent Newsletter. A daily staff bulletin is also on the back of student attendance sheets.
There is a no-drive policy for students except for those enrolled in work-experience. To ensure campus safety, students are monitored coming and going and cannot leave campus without the presence of their parent.
The school is open seven days a week for recreational activities. Besides sports, there are many opportunities for students to become involved either through tutoring elementary students or by participating in a community service project. Parents reinforce the school's 'no use' policy by signing pledges that home activities will be drug free. Principal's Coffees are held four times a year and are open to the school community.
The entire community works in concert to provide a positive, safe, healthy environment for students."
